Bear Sinew
Xióng Jīn (Bear Sinew) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the sinew (tendon) of the Asiatic Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus G.Cuvier) or the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos Linnaeus), animals belonging to the family Ursidae. This medicinal material was first recorded in the Qing Dynasty work Bencao Fengyuan by Zhang Lu.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and strengthens the sinews and bones.
Indications
Indicated for wind-dampness arthralgia (rheumatic joint and bone pain) and weakness and atrophy of the sinews and bones. It may also be used for gouty arthritis and pain in the limbs.
Modern Pharmacology
Currently, specific modern pharmacological research on Bear Sinew is relatively limited. Its traditional therapeutic effects are primarily based on traditional Chinese medical theory and clinical experience. As a traditional kidney-tonifying and bone-strengthening medicinal material, it is considered comparable to tiger bone in its effects, and is regarded as an excellent agent for strengthening the sinews and bones.
Ingredients
Bear sinew mainly contains connective tissue proteins such as collagen and elastin, as well as various amino acids. The specific components require further investigation.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: cook and eat, 30–60 g; or steep in wine for consumption.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Yin deficiency and fire excess. As this product is warm in nature, it may generate heat and damage Yin.
Selected Formulas
For wind‑dampness impediment with pain and flaccidity of sinews and bones (empirical formula) Take 30–60g of bear sinew, cook and eat, or soak in wine and drink. For arthralgia with pain in the four limbs (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of bear sinew, cook and eat, or soak in wine and drink. For flaccidity of sinews and bones with qi‑blood deficiency (Bear Sinew Pill, empirical formula) Take equal parts of bear sinew, tiger bone, Danggui (Angelica), and Renshen (Ginseng). Grind into powder. Steam large eel with wine, mash the meat, and mix with the powder to form pills. Take about 1 liang daily on an empty stomach with wine.
Daily Consumption
Cooking: Take 30–60 g of Bear Sinew, wash thoroughly, boil in water until cooked, season to taste, and consume. Wine infusion: Take an appropriate amount of Bear Sinew, steep it in white wine to make a medicinal wine, and consume in moderation.
Medicinal Parts
The sinew (tendon) of the Asiatic Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) or the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), animals belonging to the family Ursidae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
